Papas Got A Brand New Bag Analysis

James Brown aka “The Founding Father of Funk”, is one of the most revered artists of all time. His ear for music and unique approach to sound transformed the soul genera and taught the world what it meant to be “funky”. While many of Browns songs have achieved great success both on the billboards and with his fans, nothing compares to what his song “Papas Got a Brand New Bag” brought to the world. This song single handedly changed the way African American music sounded and was performed, while also creating an aspect of music that artists today still utilize in their tracks.
James Brown was born on May 3rd 1933 in Barnswell, South Carolina. He came from a broken home where his mother left him early in life and his father, plagued by extreme
This song in none other than “Papas Got a Brand New Bag”. This song was written and produced by Brown and recorded February 1965 at Arthur Smith Studios in Charlotte, NC. The initial version of the song was 7 minutes long however it’s stated that,” Brown sliced off most of the intro and sped the song up to get it played on pop radio.” The song was initially released on vinyl as a two part single which allowed for the listener to hear both songs by simply flipping the vinyl over. This was Browns first successful track to break the top 10 on the billboard charts and reached number 8. Additionally, in 1965 Brown won the Grammy for Best R&B Recording - Best Rhythm & Blues Performance for “Papa's Got a Brand New Bag”. Although Brown accomplished many things with this song perhaps his greatest achievement he garnered was what he was able to teach the world of music with this
Of course the biggest debate has been what does “Papas Got a Brand New Bag” really mean? After visiting a variety of websites the answer seems to depend entirely on the listener’s own interpretation. For instance, some think it means a new way of doing things while others firmly believe that it means getting a new groove, swag or even girl. Personally I feel more connected to the explanation given in AFAM 55 lecture. Rickey Vincent proposed that “Papas Got a Brand New Bag” was meant to show white America that African Americans are no longer going to consider themselves to be beneath them. This song was supposed to throw it in their faces that they are no different and aren’t afraid to flash there “brand new bag” aka equality all over towns and across radio waves. Given the racial tensions during this time it seems like the most plausible explanation. While this song doesn’t have a direct protest lyric it also was just the beginning of Browns transition into more black power movement songs. I believe that this song was one of the first African American anthems to come from Brown before he shifted to a more straightforward approach with tracks like “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m